Renting serviced apartments and condos in Bangkok
Renting serviced apartments and condos in Bangkok is probably the easiest way to secure housing for expatriates. Because there is no shortage of apartments and condos in Bangkok, those interested in renting are spoilt for choice. From the high end to the low end of the cost spectrum, most renters will find that they receive much more for their money than in their home countries. One of the advantages of renting a serviced apartment is that it doesn’t mean signing up to a long term agreement. Most ask for a three month rental, but some are willing to work on a month to month basis. Its slightly more expensive than doing a long term rental , but it does offer chance to see if the area suits or provides some time for looking at other properties.
Upscale and luxury property developments are springing up all over Bangkok creating the largest high-end market the city has ever seen. Just in the last few years, newly completed and started housing projects totaled to just over 19,000. This influx of new condos in Bangkok has created greater competition between individuals or agencies renting and leasing their units and properties. This competition provides potential renters with the advantage of choice and reasonable prices for serviced apartments.
The Sukhumvit area is the most popular section of Bangkok for expatriates renting or leasing condos and serviced apartments in Bangkok. Over the past few years, the Silom and Sathorn areas have experienced an influx of large luxury units. Mid to low range condominiums in these areas range from one to three bedrooms and are anywhere from 45sqm to 80sqm. At the higher end of the spectrum, condos and apartments usually range from 90sqm to 190sqm with three to four bedrooms. Prices really do vary wildly according to the modernity of the building, the area and proximity to the BTS, particularly in the Sukhumwit area. There are remoter areas of the CBD where rents are a third of the prices here, but Bangkok’s notorious traffic is obviously a big factor. Areas further out but close to the MRT have become popular with new apartment blocks appearing on the scene every month. Lad Phrao and Ratchayothin are both within easy reach of the MRT and offer a lower cost apartment than Sukhumvit. Properties towards the airport are also appearing, but these will be more expensive as the Skytrain extends.
Expect to pay 20,000 baht or more for a studio near the upper end of Sukhumwit road, but you can get 60 meters square for the same price beyond On Nut BTS station. 40,000+ will get you a spacious 2 bed serviced apartment in the Ekkamai area or near Silom. From 50,000 to 100,000 baht a month you can a generous selection of 100m2 + apartments in very plush buildings closer to Silom business district or in the trendier Soi 30s of Sukhumwit. For about 150,000 a month you really can pick the very best of condos on the river front. Prices quoted here generall include furnishing, the higher the price bracket the more discerning the décor and fittings.
In general there is a good selection of serviced apartments in Bangkok without too much added expense, since labour is cheap. In a city like this security, furnishings, maid services and access to maintainence is important since it is a hassle to arrange these yourselves. However, you can avoid these trendy new turn-key condo rental developers and find older spacious unfurnished condos in the sois off Sukhumwit for as little as 15,000 baht for 60m2, and Bangkok really isn’t the sort of city where security is an absolute must. One important consideration however is the noise factor, which increases the closer you are to the street, often with construction rampant. Furnishing your own condo in Thailand isn’t expensive, and the range of décor and furnishings is large and stylish.
For the newer developments, it is common for individuals to sign a leasing agreement based on a display unit. Trusting the reputation of the housing development, tenants commit to leases before seeing the unit they will actually be living in. This is called the off-plan method and has become quite popular over the past couple of years.
There are a number of factors that drive prices up or down when it comes to renting apartments or condos in Bangkok. The proximity to the public transportation stations such as the BTS Skytrain and MRT underground rail system. While most foreigners prefer to stay near these stations, the cost of renting an apartment will always be more expensive the closer you are to transport services. Despite rising yearly rates for renting condos, foreigners will still find the rental costs to be much cheaper in Bangkok than in other parts of East Asia and some parts of Southeast Asia.
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